Bitumen's thermal expansion, specifically its volumetric thermal expansion coefficient, typically falls within a narrow range.
Bitumen is a complex material whose properties, including thermal expansion, show limited variability. The volumetric thermal expansion coefficient, which measures how much a substance expands in volume for a given change in temperature, is a key thermal property.
Based on available data, the volumetric thermal expansion coefficient for bitumen is generally found to be between 55 x 10⁻⁵ K⁻¹ and 63 x 10⁻⁵ K⁻¹. A commonly cited or often-used value within this range is 60 x 10⁻⁵ K⁻¹.
Understanding this coefficient is important in applications where bitumen is used, such as asphalt pavements or roofing, as temperature fluctuations can cause changes in volume that need to be accommodated in design.
While the variation is slight, the reference indicates that the thermal expansion coefficient increases as the proportion of the asphaltene fraction within the bitumen decreases.
Here's a summary of the key figures:
| Property | Value Range | Typical Value |
|---|---|---|
| Volumetric Thermal Expansion Coefficient | 55 x 10⁻⁵ K⁻¹ to 63 x 10⁻⁵ K⁻¹ | 60 x 10⁻⁵ K⁻¹ |
Factors influencing the specific value within the range include the composition of the bitumen, particularly its asphaltene content. A lower asphaltene content tends to result in a higher thermal expansion coefficient.
